HAGLEY PARK.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17760, 11 May 1923, Page 2

HAGLEY PARK.

H I TO THE ZDITOB OF THE PBESS. '

Sir, —I beg to endorse the remarks of "Ratepayer" with regard to Hagley Park. I understand the revenue derived from grazing fees amounts to over £6OO per annum; I would like to know what portion of this is spent on improving, or even keeping in repair, the paths, etc., in the North Park. What should be a scene of beauty, endowed by Nature as it is, is now, and for years back has been, a picture of neglect. Gallons of water are running to waste at the children's paddling pond. If the little island there were to be built up with rocks and the water led to the top with a few feet of piping, picturesque cascades could* be quite simply made. Again, the road past the pond in question and the lake is anything but comfortable for walking unless shod in army bluchers; the sharp and irregular stones and rocks are most painful to tread on; especially to women with thinisoled shoes. The rubbish-tip near the tennis courts and new concrete structure (is it a morgue?; is an eyesore that should not be permitted. We all appreciate the Gardens and the beatiful work there carried put, but surely some of the funds _ available might easily be diverted to improve a park, which for spaciousness and natural beauty is the finest south of the line.—Yours, etc., PHCENIX PARK.

10 THX KDITOB OF "THE PEBSS.") Sir,—The letter signed "A Son of an Old Board Member" thoroughly exemplifies the truth of the old adage, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing." First, let me tell "Son" that the rock" garden in the Botanical Gardens has been the gift of the late Mr Ihwood. The whole amount of the legacy has not yet been utilised on the project, but in the course of a year or two this feature will be completed. As to the rose garden being of the form of a~ chessboard, let me ask "Son" what design would he prereri* If ne uses a kaiemoscope for an hour or two probably he would get a pattern to 6uit himself. But experts in rose-growing are enthusiastic over the display (in the season) to be seen in the Christchurch Botanical Gardens, i understand it is the aim of the Board and their officials to make in New Zealand a second Kew. It is only a question of funds; and time will show conclusively that the people of Canterbury know when they haive got a good thing. From my own observation, and I am frequently in the grounds, I can affirm that the attendances of citizens and visitors are increasing season after season, which would not be the case were the Gardens not appreciated. As to "Son's" comments on the Park, in my opinion these are quite uncalled for. Whatever buildings have been erected are entirely subject to the decisions of the Board, and it is unlikely that anv ornate erection would be put up unless on a long lease, and I cannot think any Board would agree to such in these times. "Son's" objection to the poles carrying electric light wires is childish. Let him stand at the Bank of New Zealand corner and look aXound._ He then might, if his sense of artistic harmony were offended by poles and wire fencing, have cause to complain, and until it is universally decided to place wires underground, the scenery at that point will be the same, only more so. The hole complained of has been close to the Fendalton footpath for aver thirty years, so that probably "Son's" father, while a member of the Board, had something to do with its being there. Let me remind "Son" that tram fares are no light matter these days (no joke intended), but what objection can be reasonably made against the li-jhting of the paths? The present chairman of the Board has worthily served the public for untold vears, and if "Son," before rushing into print had_ politely consulted him, all information necessary. I believe, would ha-v*

been vouchsafed., more so seeing that he subscribes himself "A Son 0 f an Old Board Member."—Yours, etc., PATER.